| Fenn effect | The increased liberation of heat in a stimulated muscle when it is allowed to do mechanical work; the amount of heat liberated is increased in proportion to the distance the muscle is allowed to shorten and in proportion to the tension it must develop (e.g., the weight it lifts) during shortening; thus increased chemical energy is consumed both to liberate increased heat and to do increased mechanical work. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| Fenn, Wallace Osgood | <person> U.S. Physiologist, 1893-1971. See: Fenn effect. (05 Mar 2000) |
| fennec | <zoology> A small, African, foxlike animal (Vulpes zerda) of a pale fawn colour, remarkable for the large size of its ears. Origin: Ar. Fanek. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| fennel | <botany> A perennial plant of the genus Faeniculum (F.vulgare), having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds. "Smell of sweetest fennel." (Milton) "A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling bottle of the tender sex." (S. G. Goodrich) Azorean, or Sweet, fennel, (Faeniculum dulce). It is a smaller and stouter plant than the common fennel, and is used as a pot herb. Dog's fennel (Anthemis Cotula), a foul-smelling European weed; called also mayweed. <botany> Fennel flower, the distilled water of fennel seed. It is stimulant and carminative. Giant fennel (Ferula communis), has stems full of pith, which, it is said, were used to carry fire, first, by Prometheus. Hog's fennel, a European plant (Peucedanum officinale) looking something like fennel. Origin: AS. Fenol, finol, from L. Feniculum, faeniculum, dim. Of fenum, faenum, hay: cf. F. Fenouil. Cf. Fenugreek. Finochio. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |